Solutions

Getting control of a new (but used) laptop

Q. I bought a laptop that was a return and have three problems:

1. How do I replace the original registered owner's name with mine?

2. Windows XP Home had not been updated in some time. A gazillion security updates installed except for seven that refuse to install repeatedly while I'm connected to Microsoft.

3. Upon each boot I get a dialog box, to insert the CD with "Virtual Truck," saying its looking for file vtruck.exe. I have no CD to insert. What's Virtual Truck?

A. For problem 1, here's how to change the name and company information: First, make sure you back up the Registry (use the Help system and search for Registry backup for options).

- Click Start, Run, and type regedit. Click OK.

- Locate the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

- Double-click RegisteredOrganization (in the right pane). Under Value data, type the name that you want, and then click OK.

- Double-click RegisteredOwner (also in the right pane). Under Value data, type the name that you want, and then click OK.

- Click Exit on the File menu to quit Registry Editor.

Problem 2, installing the gazillion security updates. A gazillion? I think you're exaggerating . . . slightly. When the Windows Update site refuses to install any of the updates and gives you some sort of meaningless error message, it can be very frustrating. I've been there. Try using the Windows Troubleshooting link, but I wouldn't hold out much hope for that solving the problem. In the case of Windows XP, I've found that installing (or reinstalling) the XP Service Pack 1 solves that problem.

Problem 3, Virtual Truck. I'm not sure what this is. I've seen some references involving broadband cable modem software, but I can't imagine what it does. You probably don't need it.

Here's how to get rid of the error message: Click Start, then Run. Type MSCONFIG and click OK. Check the different areas where programs can start, such as the Startup tab and the WIN.INI tab. Although a process can be started from any one of the six tabs, it is most likely to be in those two. You can disable particular programs from starting by clearing or selecting the check box.

Problem 4: Yes, I know you didn't list a problem 4, but not having a Windows XP CD is a problem. Check with the store where you bought the laptop and ask about it. Even though it was a return, it should come with some sort of media where you can reload XP if needed. If it is a legal installation of XP, it should come with either an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or original Windows XP CD.

Q. A friend scanned and sent an article. I cannot print it, and this message appears: "OE removed access to the following unsafe attachments in your e-mail: St Johns article.JPG." Is there anyway I can get around it or is there software I can purchase to enable me to print it?

A. This is the result of one of the latest Internet Explorer service packs. It has been the source of a lot of confusion, so you are not alone. A new setting has been turned on by default in Outlook Express. It is meant as a security precaution since many viruses are distributed as attachments to e-mail.

If you are sure you want to open an attachment, you can toggle the setting on or off as needed. The option is labeled as: "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus." You'll find it on the Outlook Express menu bar, Tools, Options, Security tab.

While this Outlook Express change was part of the XP service pack, it is indigenous to the latest versions of Outlook Express for any of the Windows versions.

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